Abstract: A coextruded multiple layer oriented film comprises a core layer of a blend of ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer and polyamide, two intermediate adhesive layers, and two outer layers of a blend of linear low density polyethylene, linear medium density polyethylene, and ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer. A preferred embodiment of the multilayer film exhibits excellent optics and shrink properties while providing high oxygen barrier especially useful in food packaging applications.

Abstract: Smearing of fat by fat-containing trayed food products on the interior surface of a thermoplastic overwrap is substantially reduced or eliminated by applying loading forces during a sealing step to the longitudinal edges of the tray containing food product. A tray with a convex bottom is preferred to enhance the quality of the seal. A convex heating plate can be used in conjunction with conventional trays.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving transverse seal strength in a vertical form-fill-seal machine includes directing a cooling medium on a just formed transverse seal from an area beneath and on either side of the film, in an arcuate pattern to effect cooling during at least a portion of the downward movement of the seal toward a cutting means.

Abstract: A vertical form, fill, and seal process and apparatus for individually packaging easily bruised articles of produce such as apples, pears, tomatoes, etc. by catching each article as it is dropped through a tube of thermoplastic, heat sealable film and simultaneously sealing and severing the tube below the caught article without the article forceably contacting the hot seal or striking the heat sealing means.

Abstract: Conventional horizontal form-fill-seal equipment for packaging articles such as cheese can be improved by the use of shrink barrier films. In conjunction with the use of such films, the improvement includes means for supporting the film prior to longitudinally sealing to form a tube, and means for heating sealing elements of transverse impulse type sealing dies for a limited duration, to effect sealing of the tube formed from the film.

Abstract: A seamless, puncture resistant bag is made by advancing a lay-flat seamless tube of thermoplastic film; forming an alternating series of fused-unfused segments along said lay-flat tube by internally fusing said lay-flat tube at regular intervals, the unfused segment length being approximately equal to the fused segment length; treating the external surface of the lay-flat tube to render said surface self adherent; periodically folding back the lay-flat tube towards its treated surface at the juncture between the leading fused-unfused segments of the lay-flat tube; pressing the folded portion of the lay-flat tube; and severing the folded portion from the tube.

Abstract: This invention relates to films made from vinylidene chloride polymers or copolymers. Specifically, this invention relates to a method and composition for lowering the oxygen permeability and enhancing the thermal stability of mono-layer and multi-layer packaging films having a plasticized layer of vinylidene chloride copolymer film.

Abstract: A bag chain for feeding packaging bags to a bag loader includes bags 2a,2b,2c imbricated and carried by a pair of parallel carrier tapes 3 and 4 which are wound up on spools 8 and 9 of a cassette 5. Loading the bag chain is a bag indexing drive unit involves simply placing the cassette 5 into position with the spools 8 and 9 engaged with parallel drive dogs 11 and 12, after which operation of a drive motor 15, driving the dogs 11 and 12 through a differential unit 14-22 indexes the bags 2a,2b,2c . . . and winds up the tapes 3 and 4. Upon complete consumption of the bag chain, the cassette can be removed and replaced by a fresh cassette with the tapes outside the cassette and carrying the imbricated bags.

Abstract: This invention relates to films which have a high degree of silence and pliability and comprise at least one layer formed from a polymeric blend which includes about 40% to 60% by weight of any ethylene and vinyl-acetate copolymer and about 60% to 40% by weight of an elastomeric polyolefin. The elastomeric polyolefin preferably comprises a blend or "alloy" of an ethylene and vinyl-acetate copolymer and an elastomeric ethylene and propylene copolymer. Such films are particularly useful for manufacturing drainage containers or bags for medical applications.

Abstract: This invention relates to films made from vinylidene chloride polymers or copolymers. Specifically, this invention relates to a method and composition for lowering the oxygen permeability and enhancing the thermal stability of mono-layer and multi-layer packaging films having a plasticized layer of vinylidene chloride copolymer film.

Abstract: High oxygen barrier characteristics over a wide range of humidity conditions are obtained by providing a combination of ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer and vinylidene chloride copolymer in separate component films of a composite film.

Abstract: A seal layer for an easy open package consisting essentially of 40% or less, by weight, of a first polymer having a melt flow index of less than 5 selected from the group consisting of ionomers and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, and 60% or more by weight of a second polymer having a melt flow index greater than 20 being selected from the group consisting of low density polyethylene, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, and modified ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, whereby the second polymer is a low density polyethylene if the first polymer is an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer.

Abstract: A forming shoulder for an HFFS machine comprises a pair of side wires 3a and 3b each comprising an upper limb 11 joined to a lower limb 14 at an elbow 12 and each supported near a respective end of a support bar 16. The width of the tube, defined by side walls where the tube passes inwardly of the two lower limbs 14 and by a floor (defined by the marginal portions of the film 10) and a ceiling (defined by the central portion 10a of the film spanning the gap between the two elbows 12), is adjustable by re-positioning of the side wires 3a and 3b on the support bar 16 and the height of the tube is adjustable by replacement of one pair of side wires by a different pair having an alternative geometry.

Abstract: A five layered thermoplastic film may be utilized to form storm windows or packaging material. A preferred embodiment of the film comprises a core layer consisting essentially of either (a) a copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate or (b) a three component blend of (a) a linear low density polyethylene, (b) a linear medium density polyethylene and (c) an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer. The preferred embodiment also comprises two intermediate layers each consisting essentially of a linear low density polyethylene, and two surface layers each consisting essentially of either a four component blend of (1) a linear low density polyethylene, (2) a linear medium density polyethylene, (3) a copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate and (4) one or more light stabilizers, or a three component blend in which light stabilizers are not present.

Abstract: A flexible film suitable for medical solution pouches and parenteral materials generally includes a sealant layer of ethylene propylene copolymer, modified ethylene propylene copolymer, or flexible copolyester; one or more interior layers including elastomeric polymeric materials, and an outer layer of ethylene propylene copolymer or a flexible copolyester.

Abstract: Improved shrink, toughness and barrier properties are achieved by a multi-layer, thermoplastic, shrink film having a substrate layer of very low density polyethylene and a gas barrier layer of vinylidene chloride copolymer or ethylene-vinyl-alcohol. The film is particularly useful for making bags for packaging large cuts of fresh red meat.

Abstract: Disclosed is a package for cheese, luncheon meat and the like having an easy open seal. The package comprises a pouch-like receptacle constructed from flexible thermoplastic film having at least two layers wherein the outer surface layer has a tensile strength greater than the bond strength between the outer layer and its adjacent layer. To form the easy open seal the edges of the mouth of the receptacle are folded inwardly, flattened, and a heat seal applied to compress and seal together the resulting four layers of film with the seal being located between the edges and the fold lines. The resulting two folds provide grippable halves which can be pulled apart thereby rupturing one of the outer layers and delaminating the film from the point of rupture to the edge of the film, the delamination occurring between the outer layer and the adjacent layer.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an improvement in flexible side-sealed taped bags having an extended lip rear panel. The external surface of the rear panel is releasably secured, at least at one point, to at least one tape (preferably two tapes) whereby a plurality of the bags may be advantageously presented in imbricated form. The improvement includes extension of the side seals of the front bag panel to the rear bag panel. The length of the extended side seals being such that their termination points are extended beyond the bag mouth so that the forces imposed on the bag mouth during loading of a product into the bag, while the bag is secured to the tape(s), act on the side seals below the side seal termination points. During product loading, the bag preferentially releases or separates from the tape(s) rather than tearing or delaminating at the side seal termination points.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically loading side seal bags, at least two at a time, which comprises delivering the bags to a first position below a rod conveyor which has a gap therein through which the bags are pulled and loaded in a second position. The bags are then conveyed away on the rod conveyor. Speed of loading is increased because succeeding bags are moved to the first position while the previous bags are loaded at the second position. The movement from the first to second position is short and relatively quick.